Liam Hemsworth is getting along just fine as a bachelor these days. Five years after moving to Los Angeles to start an acting career --- and 2 months after he and Miley Cyrus officially parted ways -- the Hunger Games: Catching Fire star is finally beginning to feel settled in Hollywood with two feet placed firmly on the ground.

"I'm more comfortable in my own skin than I've ever been in my whole life," the 23-year-old actor tells the Associated Press in a new interview. "Over the last five years I've learned so much. The first few years in LA were really tough and scary, but I had to figure things out for myself."

And it seems he did, but only after a highly publicized split from his former fiancee. The Australian hunk recently called it quits with the 20-year-old "We Can't Stop" singer in September after more than three years together. That same month, he was caught making out with Mexican actress Eiza Gonzales in Las Vegas.

"I know I'm a good person and these days I feel like I'm more centered and grounded than I've ever been," he said. "What I always keep in mind is that I know what the truth is and that's all that matters."

But why the new outlook now? It turns out, his costar Jennifer Lawrence has a lot to do with it! "For a few years I went down a path where I forgot to be in the moment and enjoy the moment," he admitted. "But being around someone like Jen, who is so honest and laughs all day long, I am forced to be in the right now. I'm much happier."

The Hollywood star also seems to be focusing on more extracurricular activities, including kick-boxing. "I don't fight people," he reassured. "It's a mental release to go and beat the (expletive) out of a bag for an hour." He added: "I read a lot of Zen books. And I grew up surfing, so that has always been my escape."